Header

William D. Bast, P.E., S.E., SECB

Principal

Bill’s extensive Chicago portfolio includes such landmarks as Water Tower Place and the Wrigley Building, and the U-505 submarine relocation for the Museum of Science and Industry.

Follow these topics:

With more than 30 years of structural engineering experience, William Bast heads Thornton Tomasetti’s Forensics and Renewal practices in Chicago. His projects include building renovations and restorations, building façade evaluations and repair programs, due diligence and building assessments, failure investigations, litigation support and peer reviews. Bill works closely with owners, building managers, attorneys, architects and contractors, as well as internal project managers and engineers, to ensure the timeliness and quality of the projects he oversees.

An Extensive Body of Work in ChicagoBill’s Chicago portfolio includes the Metropolitan Tower residential conversion project; exterior façade repairs including the Metra Headquarters building and Water Tower Place; the One Indiana Square façade overclad project; Wrigley Building renovations and restorations; and the U-505 submarine relocation for the Museum of Science and Industry. While with another firm, he was project manager and lead structural engineer of the $175-million Navy Pier Renovation and Reconstruction Project.

Professional ServiceHe has generously given back to the profession, serving as president of several professional groups: the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, the Structural Engineers Foundation and the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI). In recognition of his service, Bill received the 2005 Distinguished Service Award from SEAOI. He has also held various committee chairman positions for the American Institute of Steel Construction, among other contributions.

Academic LeadershipCommitted to advancing the practice of structural engineering, Bill regularly shares his expertise through publishing and lecturing; he participates in both national and regional Structural Engineers Association and American Society of Civil Engineers conferences. He has also spoken internationally on façade repairs, renovations and failures.

Outside of WorkBill enjoys playing the drums in his church ensemble, and he has been known to sit in with the band during company social events. An avid tennis player, he competes in US Tennis Association and Chicago Indoor Tennis Association leagues. Bill has two college-aged children, Willie and Karly.